5 months Ago
Those figures indicate that as some location permits expire in the coming weeks, the total capacity could dip even lower than the level at the end of last year.
Most Councils Below Quota
Two-thirds of the 342 municipalities in the Netherlands are now providing fewer asylum beds as required by law. Some councils have reached agreements with their neighbouring local authorities, to assume responsibility for their share of the housing, but many remain in arrears.
The law, which was due to be repealed by former immigration minister Marjolein Faber, is still in force, particularly since the far-right PVV left the government. COA, provincial bodies and most councils favour the legislation to continue.
Challenges to the Municipalities
Limited available sites for building or the weight of housing shortages at a local level have been blamed by some councils for failing to hit their targets. In some places, resistance by residents, including protests and occasional violence, has contributed to slow progress. Local governments, too, have complained of a lack of clear guidance from the national administration. Faber's former duties were split among three ministries, making it even more complex.
In spite of all of this, good news is emerging from some areas. So far the spreading law is fine in Groningen and Flevoland. The law was passed after refugee shelters were not spread out equally around the country, and towns like Ter Apel, for example, were being overburdened while others offered no housing.
